Why Is My Vagina Itchy?

Vaginal itching has many possible causes, ranging from common yeast infections and irritants like soap to skin conditions, vaginitis, and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These conditions cause mild to severe vaginal itching, often together with other symptoms like a vaginal discharge, sores, rashes, and burning or discomfort.

You may be able to treat vaginal itching with self-care, avoiding some products, and following hygiene tips like wearing breathable clothing. However, some causes, like bacterial infections, need medical treatment.

Irritants

Many soaps, body washes, shampoos, lotions, and other personal care products that you might use in the bath or shower can be irritating to the sensitive tissues of your external genitals (vulva). These products can cause dryness, irritation, redness, and itching.

This kind of irritation is common (especially in children) and is sometimes called soap or chemical vulvitis.

Many products contain ingredients that can cause vaginal itching and irritation, including:

• Laundry products: Detergents, dryer sheets, wrinkle releasers, fabric softeners, and whiteners
• Body and skin care products: Moisturizers, serums, hand lotions, perfumes, sunscreens, deodorants, and scented toilet paper
• Bath and shower products: Soaps, gels, bath bombs, bath beads and oils, cleansers, and exfoliators,
• Hygiene products: Douches, tampons and pads, wipes, contraceptive creams or foams, condoms with lubes/flavors/scents

Skin Conditions

The external genitalia are just as susceptible to skin problems as the rest of your body and they're often responsible for vaginal itching. These are the top causes:

Sweating

Everyone sweats in their genitals because this part of the body has apocrine sweat glands (just like those in your armpits). These glands make a thicker sweat than the glands in other parts of the body (eccrine glands).

When a protein from sweat interacts with bacteria on the skin, it can cause an unpleasant odor. As sweat dries, it also makes the groin and vulva itchy.

Razor Burn

Razor burn happens when the razor removes the top layer of the skin and allows bacteria to invade. This condition is usually itchy and may cause red bumps.

Shaving hair in your pubic area can also cause razor bumps (red lumps) which develop when hairs become ingrown. You may notice that the skin is swollen and red and the bumps are itchy.

Eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a skin condition that causes redness and itching. Female genital eczema is an umbrella term for several types of itchy skin conditions that can affect your vulva or the skin between the cheeks of your buttocks.

Types of eczema that can lead to itching include:

• Atopic eczema: This condition is caused by a dysfunctional immune system. Symptoms include dry, itchy skin and rashes. The rashes may appear red on light skin and purple, brown, or gray on darker skin.
• Seborrheic dermatitis: This chronic form of eczema can clear up and flare repeatedly for years. It’s thought to be caused by an abnormal reaction to a type of yeast on your skin.
• Allergic contact dermatitis: A day or two after exposure to an allergen, the immune system triggers an allergic inflammatory reaction, causing an itchy rash. Common triggers include poison ivy, nickel, and fragrances.
• Irritant contact dermatitis: As mentioned in the irritant section above, the ingredients in many products can irritate your skin, damage the skin's protective barrier, and cause itching and burning. Vaginal dermatitis may be related to sanitary pads, detergents, soaps, and personal care products like intimate deodorants.

Lichen Sclerosus

Lichen sclerosus is a chronic skin condition that makes the skin thin, pale, and wrinkly. It usually affects the genitalia and anus but can also be on the chest and arms. It’s most common in females before puberty or after menopause.

The cause is not known, but it might be an autoimmune disease. It may also be related to a hormonal imbalance linked to estrogen levels.

Lichen sclerosus does not always cause symptoms but can cause:

• Intense vulvar itching, which may interfere with sleep
• Anal itching, pain, or bleeding
• Pain during vaginal penetration
• Thin, white, wrinkled skin on the labia
• Purple-colored areas of bruising below the skin
• Fissures (cracks) around the anus, labia, and clitoris
  

Lichen sclerosus usually comes and goes. It can cause permanent scars and may get worse over time if it is not treated.

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Several sexually transmitted infections (STIs) can cause vulvar or vaginal itching. However, some people with an STI don’t experience symptoms, which is why it’s important to get tested if you’re having sex.

Chlamydia

Chlamydia, the most common STI, may cause vaginal itching. The itching typically occurs with other symptoms like painful urination, vaginal discharge, or abnormal vaginal bleeding. Symptoms usually start about one to three weeks after sexual contact with someone who is infected with the bacteria.

Recognizing the signs and seeking treatment is essential to prevent recurrent infections and complications. Without treatment, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and tubal pregnancies.

Genital Herpes

Genital herpes is an incurable STI caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-2). The virus stays in your body, where it may remain dormant or cause future outbreaks.

Around 12% of Americans between ages 14 and 49 years test positive for HSV-2. Many cases of genital herpes are symptom-free or have mild, infrequent symptoms, including vaginal itching.

During a herpes outbreak, painful sores or blisters appear on the genitals or anus. The sores can appear on the vulva, perineum (space between the vaginal and anal openings), vagina, and cervix (which connects the vagina to the uterus).

Other possible symptoms you may have during an outbreak include:

• Fever and chills
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue
• Swollen glands in your throat, underarms, and pelvic areas

You can get genital herpes by having unprotected genital, anal, or oral contact with a person who has it. Condoms and dental dams can provide some protection, but there is still a risk of spreading herpes because you may be exposed to infected skin.

Gonorrhea

Gonorrhea is a bacterial infection that can be cured with antibiotics. If left untreated, it can lead to health problems like pelvic inflammatory disease and infertility. The infection can also spread to the joints and other body areas.

Women may have no or mild symptoms that seem like a vaginal or urinary tract infection. When they appear, gonorrhea symptoms include:

• Vaginal itching and irritation
• Pain or burning with urination
• Yellow vaginal discharge
• Bleeding or pain with sex
• Vaginal bleeding between periods
• Anal discharge, pain, bleeding, or itching

Genital Warts

Genital warts are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). They appear as whitish or skin-colored bumps on the vulva, vagina, cervix, or anus. They're often itchy and may cause a burning sensation, but usually don’t hurt.

Trichomoniasis

Trichomoniasis (trich) is a common and curable STI. Symptoms vary from person to person but can include:

• Itching, burning, redness, or soreness of the genitals
• Discomfort or pain with peeing
• Clear, white, yellowish, or greenish vaginal discharge that has a fishy smell

Yeast Infection

An itchy vagina and vulva often indicate a yeast infection. Other signs include a clumpy white discharge and soreness.

Yeast infections happen when Candida—a fungus found naturally in and on your body—grows out of control. Your risk of a yeast infection increases if you take antibiotics, are pregnant, or have diabetes or a weak immune system. These issues affect the body’s balance, making it easier for yeast to grow out of control.

Bacterial Vaginosis

Bacterial vaginosis (BV) occurs when there is an imbalance of bacteria in the vagina. When you have the right balance of “good” bacteria, the environment in and around your vagina is slightly acidic. The acidity levels keep “bad” and possibly harmful bacteria from getting out of control.

BV commonly causes itching in and outside the vagina. The condition may also cause thin white or gray discharge, which can have a strong fishy smell, especially after sex.

Getting proper treatment for BV is essential as it can help prevent future complications.

Hormonal Changes

Estrogen has a crucial role in regulating the health of the tissues inside the vagina. If estrogen levels drop, whether permanently or temporarily, the vaginal tissues become dry, thin, and inflamed.

This condition, vaginal atrophy, causes vaginal itching and burning, pain during sex, and burning when urinating.

Estrogen production decreases due to:

• Menopause
• Pregnancy
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Ovary or pituitary conditions
• Thyroid disease
• Cancer treatments

Pubic Lice

If your itching comes from areas where you have pubic hair, you may have pubic lice (or “crabs”). These tiny insects live in pubic hair, where they can cause intense itching.

Lice are sometimes included in lists of STIs because the most common way to get them is through sexual contact (touching the pubic hair of an infected person).

However, they're not an infection. You get lice through direct contact, so it's possible to pick them up from the bedding or clothing of a person with pubic lice.

Pubic lice generally live on the fleshy area at the top of the vulva (mons pubis). Other than itchy pubic hair, you might not have other physical symptoms, but you can often see them.

Visible signs of pubic lice include:

• Tan or grayish lice on your pubic hair or skin
• Yellow or white eggs (nits) attached to the hair

While you will need to remove lice for hygiene and comfort, they are not harmful.

Treatment

Aside from treating the underlying cause, you may find temporary symptom relief for vaginal or vulvar itching through these remedies:

• Cold compresses or ice packs for five to 10 minutes at a time
• Oatmeal baths
• Moisturizers (additive- and fragrance-free)
• Topical anesthetics containing pramoxine, found in Vagisil anti-itch wipes
• Topical treatments containing menthol or calamine

Sweating: If sweating is the cause, the itching should go away when you bathe or shower.

Razor burn and bumps: If you have razor burn, try to avoid irritating the skin more. Bumps should improve if you temporarily quit shaving and use topical medicines to ease symptoms.

If the itch is intense, you may find relief from:

• Taking a warm bath, possibly with oatmeal, for extra soothing benefits
• Using aloe vera gel on external skin only

Eczema: Topical corticosteroids are a standard treatment for many types of eczema, even when the vulva is affected. Closely follow the instructions from your healthcare provider to make sure you are using these medications safely.

Pubic lice: If you are infected, you can get rid of pubic lice with:

• OTC or prescription products, including lotions, shampoos, gels, mousses, and oral medications
• A fine-toothed comb to remove eggs from your pubic hair (you can use just your fingernails for this if your case is mild)

In addition, you should wash and dry anything that the lice may have come into contact with, including:

• Clothes
• Bedding
• Towels

Shaving your pubic hair is not recommended. It will only get rid of the eggs—the lice will crawl to the first body hair they can find. If you want to shave to make sure that all the nits are gone, wait until after treatments have killed all the lice.

You may have itching for a while after the lice are gone.

STIs: Your healthcare provider can advise you on the best course of action if you find out you have an STI. Some STIs are curable with antibiotics; others are manageable with medication.

For instance, herpes can be managed with antiviral medications, which can help prevent it from spreading. Herpes symptoms can be eased with OTC pain medications and cool compresses applied to the sores.

Lichen sclerosus: This condition cannot be cured. The goal of treatment is to manage your symptoms and prevent scarring and squamous cell carcinoma. The standard treatment for lichen sclerosus includes the use of ultrapotent topical corticosteroids, such as:

• Betamethasone
• Diproprionate
• Clobetasol propionate
• Diflorasone diacetate
• Halobetasol propionate

More severe cases may require additional treatment. Topical tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, phototherapy (light therapy), and oral immunosuppressive medication may also be considered.

Prevention

There are steps you can take to help prevent vaginal and vulvar itching, like avoiding known irritations and keeping your vagina and the skin around it clean and healthy.

Skincare

Good skincare can help prevent itching, especially when it’s caused by dry skin, sensitivity to products, or sweating.

Following these tips can help prevent and reduce itching:

• Take showers instead of baths, or keep your bath short (10 minutes) and use lukewarm water.
• Use fragrance-free skincare products.
• Wear loose clothing made from breathable fabrics, like cotton.
• Keep your house relatively cool and, if you’re prone to dry skin and eczema, use a humidifier in the winter.
• Wear moisture-wicking underwear for exercise.
• Take a shower and put on clean clothes as soon as you can after sweating.
• Keep at least some pubic hair, as it carries moisture away from the skin.
• Maintain a weight that is healthy for you.

Any scented product can irritate the sensitive tissues of your vulva and make itching worse. Avoid or limit how often you use these kinds of products:

• Scented menstrual products
• Antiperspirants and deodorants
• Feminine hygiene sprays

You can prevent razor burn by:

• Using a clean and sharp razor that has multiple blades
• Moisturizing the skin before and after shaving
• Taking a hot shower or putting a warm washcloth on the area before shaving
• Using a shaving cream or gel so the razor can glide smoothly over your skin
• Only shaving in the direction of hair growth
• Storing your razor in a dry area (which helps prevent bacterial growth)

Vaginal Health

Taking care of your genital health can help prevent vaginal itching and other problems. Your vagina is healthiest when it has the right balance of bacteria called vaginal flora.

A lot of things can disrupt the balance of vaginal flora, including:

• Antibiotics
• Vaginal lubricants
• Fragrances
• Dyes in clothing
• Douching
• Birth control devices
• Pregnancy
• Restrictive clothing

You can maintain good vaginal and vulvar health by:

• Washing your genital area with water only or gentle soap (harsh soaps can upset the pH balance)
• Cleaning between the labia majora and labia minora (inner and outer lips)
• Trying to keep the area as cool and dry as possible
• Wearing cotton underwear
• Changing out of wet swimsuits or sweaty workout clothing as soon as possible
• Using pads and pantyliners only during your period
• Changing pads and tampons frequently
• Wiping front to back after bowel movements
• Showering daily
• Avoiding “feminine hygiene” sprays or douches
• Using vaginal lubricants to reduce friction during penetrative sex
• Using condoms during penetrative sex
• Changing condoms when changing the area of penetration (switching between oral, vaginal, or anal)

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Vaginal itching doesn't always mean you have a health condition that needs medical care. However, many conditions share similar symptoms and some an look alike. For example, it's hard to tell the difference between razor burn and genital herpes,

Seeing a provider is the best way to be sure you have an accurate diagnosis and the appropriate treatment.

Talk to a healthcare provider if:

• You have vaginal or vulvar itching lasting more than a few days.
• You have an abnormal discharge with an odor
• You have bleeding, pelvic pain, or pain during sex along with vaginal itching.
• The itching is highly uncomfortable.
• You are sexually active (increasing your risk of an STI).

Summary

Many things can explain why your vagina is itchy, including bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, and STIs. Your vulva could also be itchy due to sweat, razor burn, and skin conditions like eczema and lichen sclerosus.

At-home treatments such as oatmeal baths, anti-itch cream, and cool compresses can help calm itching, but see a provider if your symptoms do not go away in a few days. Healthcare providers can figure out the cause of your itching and make sure you get the right treatment.